Bell FTTP Migration FAQ

I received a letter or call from Bell saying I must migrate my phone (landline) service to their fibre (FTTP) network. Will this impact my DSL service?

Bell is in the process of migrating their landlines from the copper line (POTS) to their fibre network (VOIP) which is not compatible with DSL. Members with wet line DSL who choose to migrate their landline to fibre will need to change their service to dry line to avoid loosing service upon migration. As with other orders, it needs to be scheduled 5 business days in advance and the standard activation fee would apply.

However, Bell has told us that any landlines with wholesale DSL (DSL from NCF) are to be excluded from their migration at this point, and that any such letters to our members have been sent in error. Bell sent an apology letter to explain this, but apparently they are still sending migration letters in error and their agents are also not all aware of the exclusion.

As long as members do not schedule migrating their line to fibre with Bell, they can continue using their POTS landline and wet DSL without either being interrupted. Members wishing to continue with their current service should inform Bell they do not want to migrate (or to cancel the migration if scheduled), citing that they currently have wholesale DSL on the line.

We ask that members send us a screenshot or photo of letters they receive regarding migrating their line to help make our case to Bell.

My DSL stopped working after migrating my landline to fibre. Can I continue to get DSL service on the new system?

Bell's new landline service runs over their fibre network which is not compatible with DSL, but we can continue to provide service on the copper network by ordering a "dry line" service. Normally, we charge an extra fee of $5 per month for a dry line, and a one time activation fee of $49.95 for the order to switch to dry, however we are currently waiving both fees for members who unexpectedly lost their wet line service because of migrating their landline. The dry line activation needs be scheduled 5 business days in advance, but as we realize Bell has not been informing members that the migration will impact their DSL, and they have also been sending letters in error saying that the lines need to be migrated, we can use this as rationale for escalating the order to try getting an earlier date. We may not be waiving the monthly dry loop fee indefinitely, but will give ample notice before charging it to these members.

Can I revert my landline back to the copper network?

As far as we know, Bell will not reconnect any landline service on their copper network. Members who have had their line migrated will need to order dry line service to continue using our DSL on their line. For the time being, we are not charging the dry line or activation fees that would normally apply, but it can take a few days to get reconnected. (see previous answer)

Does dry line DSL work any differently as compared to on a wet line?

No, the internet service works exactly the same, and no changes are required to the DSL modem. The modem will need to be connected to the same copper line as before, and not through the new Bell landline which works over fibre. As there will be no longer be other devices on the same line, you will no longer need to use any DSL filters, and it's possible the DSL signal will be stronger with no other devices connected.

Why does it cost more for dry loop DSL, given it's the exact same service as a wet line?

Bell charges NCF a higher rate for DSL on lines without an active landline (POTS) service which we pass on as a monthly dry loop fee. Although these fees vary based on location, we normalize it to $5 so as to be fair to all members.